Jean Claye Bryant

Jean Claye Bryant, 75, of Beaumont, died quietly and peacefully Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.

Jean was a caring, tender and extremely generous person.  She was funny, outgoing, loved to laugh and had an infectious personality.  Jean was hospitable, loved entertaining people and never met a stranger.  She was a loyal and faithful friend and an inspiration to all who knew her.  Jean had many interests.  She loved to learn and never stopped learning.  She was an avid reader and was drawn to anything historical.  When Jean found something that peaked her curiosity, she researched and read as much as possible to learn as much as she could.  She had a strong sense of faith and was always true to her beliefs.  In addition to her love of history, she also loved learning about her religion and the Catholic Church.

She was on the board of the Tyrrell Historical Library Association, a member of the Texas Gulf Historical Society and a long time docent at the McFaddin Ward House.  She was on the board of the Beaumont Heritage Society, a member of the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society and belonged to the Mary Howell Garden Club.  She was a member of the Own-A-Book Club and what she fondly referred to as the “Bunco Bunch.”  She loved meeting the ladies for Bunco, although all suspected the evening involved more conversation and wine than actual Bunco.

Jean began working in the 1950’s and did many different things.  She worked as a secretary at the Texas Company, an accounting clerk at Pennwalt Corporation, director of volunteers and youth services for the Beaumont Chapter of the American Red Cross and a legal assistant with a number of attorneys, including Weller, Wheelus & Green and Southeast Texas Legal Aid.  Jean loved interacting with people and working in areas where she felt she was helping make a difference.  Her favorite job was working with Roxie Lawson selling Doncaster.  Although it was a tremendous undertaking for both of them, she loved clothes and was right in her element.

Jean’s greatest joy was her husband and family.  She was a loving wife and mother.  Jean and Marvin were married for forty-one wonderful years and were completely dedicated to one another.  Jean’s children were the true light and pride of her life.  She was thoroughly devoted to her children and they brought her a great deal of happiness, joy and comfort.  She was an amazing, wonderful and strong person and was the most remarkable mother her children could ever have.  She is with them every day and will live in their hearts forever.

Survivors include her husband, Marvin Bryant of Beaumont; sons, Ronald Alex Amuny, Jr. of Beaumont and Clay Andrus Amuny of Brady; daughters, Christy Amuny of Beaumont and Bonnie Lynn Cone and her husband, Ron of Austin; grandchildren, Lynnsey Locklear and her husband, Tim of Deer Park and Todd Siau and his wife, Tish of Port Neches; and great-grandchildren, Blayke Siau and Garrett Siau.  She is also survived by her step-son, Butch Bryant and his wife, Gail of Deer Park.

A Christian Vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2012, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2012, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with cremation to follow at Broussard’s Crematorium, under the direction of Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tyrrell Historical Library Association, 395 North Pearl Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701; Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704; or Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program, PMB #46, 148 South Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77707.